Frequently Asked Questions

  • To view availability, visit our calendar by CLICKING HERE. Please submit a ‘charter inquiry form’ with all pertinent information for our review. A team member will contact you within 48 hours to complete your reservation. For special requests, feel free to call us at ‪(872) 256-2612‬ or send us an email at Lakeviewcharterllc@gmail.com.

  • You will receive an invoice via email once your booking request has been reviewed and accepted. To complete your booking, we must receive a signed Charter Agreement and your payment in full.

    We accept electronic payments via Zelle, as well as all major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and AfterPay. Credit card payments are subject to processing fees.

    Prior to departure, a team member must be presented with a photo ID that matches the name on the credit card used for the purchase.

  • In accordance with US Coast Guard regulations, a maximum of 12 passengers are permitted on the yacht during your charter. This does not include the captain and crew.

    • Following your booking, we will provide you with a list of qualified Captains whose services you will book directly. If you are unable to secure a Captain from the provided list, we will identify one for you.

    • Please note that Captains are independent contractors hired at the Charterer's discretion. Captains are neither affiliated with Lakeview Charters, LLC nor employed by the company.

  • The typical Captain rate ranges from $125 to $150 per hour. It is customary to tip the Captain/ crew 18- 20% of the total charter cost.

    Please note that Captains are independent contractors hired at the Charterer's discretion. Captains are neither affiliated with Lakeview Charters, LLC nor employed by the company.

  • We are located at 31st Street Harbor. The address is 3155 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.

    Please arrive at the marina at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. A crew member will meet your entire group near Salerno's Nautical Playpen, located between docks J and K, and direct you to the yacht.

    • We strongly advise taking a rideshare to the marina, as parking is extremely limited. Parking is available for a fee in the West Lot. The entrance to the parking garage is located at 641 East 31st Street, Chicago, IL 60616. Directly west of Lake Shore Drive, a second paid parking lot is accessible (~10-minute walk).

    • For more information regarding parking and rates, please visit 31st Street Harbor’s website: https://www.chicagoharbors.info/harbors/31st-street/

    • We suggest that your group arrives at least 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Please notify us of any delays immediately via phone or email.

    • At the Charterer's request, we will delay departure for late arrivals; however, your charter time will be proportionally reduced. Your charter will NOT be prorated, discounted, or reimbursed due to tardiness.

  • You are welcome to bring food and beverages onboard. We are BYOB friendly. Please be aware that a $500 cash security deposit is required to cover incidentals and cleaning costs if the yacht is not cleaned at the conclusion of your charter. The security deposit will be collected prior to departure and returned at the conclusion of the charter, minus any cleaning fees or damages.

  • Although we are unable to provide direct food and beverage catering to clients, we can provide recommendations for third-party chefs and vendors. Please contact us for further details.

  • Yes, we have a full refrigerator for your use onboard.

    • Please arrive at 31st Street Harbor at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. A crew member will meet your entire group near Salerno's Nautical Playpen, located between docks J and K, and direct you to the yacht. A crew member and/or the captain will review the yacht's ground rules prior to departure. You will have the opportunity to visit these Chicago iconic sites: Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, and the Chicago Playpen; please discuss the route with your Captain prior to departure. You will return to 31st Street Harbor and dock at the scheduled end time of your charter.

    • You will have access to the entire yacht, including 2 bathrooms, the kitchen, and both bedrooms, which are available ONLY for changing. One person can pair their phone with the Bluetooth speakers.

    • Please be prepared to pay a $500 security deposit and captain fee (cash or Zelle) when you arrive at the dock. The security deposit covers incidentals and cleaning fees if the yacht isn’t cleaned at the conclusion of your charter. Additionally, your security deposit may be forfeited if you violate any of our company’s ground rules during your charter, including smoking in undesignated areas of the yacht.

    • Please bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a bathing suit and towel (if you plan to swim), food and/or beverages, and a phone charger.

    • On night charters or days with moderate temperatures, please bring a sweater, blanket, and/or a light jacket.

    • If you have any known allergies or medical requirements (i.e. motion sickness), please bring spare medications in the event of an emergency. A first-aid kit will be available onboard if needed.

  • Yes, we welcome passengers of all ages. Please inform us if any infants or children will be onboard so that we can ensure we have the correct size life vests.

  • Smoking is NOT permitted onboard the yacht. Prior to boarding, passengers may smoke on the dock.

    Please be aware that your security deposit may be forfeited if anyone in your group smokes in any of the undesignated areas of the yacht.

  • Yes, we can accommodate your request for a Chicago River charter. Please be aware that all vessels must enter and exit through the Chicago Locks, which can take up to one hour per direction during peak traffic (weekends). This will add additional time to your charter, so the captain and crew must plan accordingly. The additional time required to enter and exit the locks will increase your hourly yacht rental and captain rates proportionally.